The environmental studies for this project analyzed a larger proposed ROW footprint than what TxDOT would acquire for this project to allow for flexibility for the Design Team. Both the environmental study area and the proposed ROW needs are identified on the project layout as part of the Public Hearing materials. Historical Resources Survey Report Reconnaissance Survey Project Name: Interstate Highway (I)-35 Project Limits: North of SE Inner Loop to South of RM 1431 District(s): Austin District County(s): Williamson, Texas CSJ Number(s): 0015-09-186 and 0015-09-187 Prinicipal Investigator: Maryellen Russo Report Completion Date: April 2020
The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried-out by TxDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated 12-9-2019, and executed by FHWA and TxDOT.
This historical resources survey report is produced for the purposes of meeting requirements under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the Antiquities Code of Texas, and other cultural resource legislation related to environmental clearance as applicable.
Historical Resources Survey Report, Texas Department of Transportation, Environmental Affairs Division 2
istorical Studies Report, Texas Department of Transportation, Environmental Affairs Division
Abstract
Blanton & Associates, Inc. (B&A) conducted a reconnaissance-level historic resources survey for the proposed roadway improvements along Interstate Highway (I)-35 in Williamson County, Texas (see Figures 1 and 2 in Appendix D). The proposed project would require 28.716 acres of new right-of-way (ROW) and 0.1561 acre of driveway licenses. The Area of Potential Effect (APE) is 150 feet from the existing and proposed ROW (whichever is greater), and the existing ROW where no new ROW is required. B&A reviewed the Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) Texas Historic Sites Atlas to identify any previously identified historic resources within the 1,300-foot study area of the proposed project. There are no standing structure State Antiquities Landmarks (SAL), Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks (RTHL), National Historic Landmarks (NHL), or National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)-listed properties within the 1,300-foot study area (see Figures 3.1 and 3.2 in Appendix D). In February 2020, B&A completed a reconnaissance-level historic resources survey and identified 23 resources on eight properties (Resource Nos. 1A through 8) constructed in or prior to 1977 within the proposed project’s APE (see Figures 4.1 through 4.3 in Appendix D). B&A recommends that seven of the inventoried properties are not eligible for listing on the NRHP either individually or as part of a larger property or historic district. B&A also recommends that one resource, Resource No. 2 (Inner Space Cavern), would require further study in order to finalize its eligibility status. However, based on the limited scope of work at this property, B&A assumes that Resource No. 2 is NRHP eligible for the purposes of this project and recommends that no intensive-level survey should be conducted to finalize its NRHP eligibility status. B&A also recommends that there is no adverse effect to Resource No. 2 based on the project activities proposed. This report was produced for the purposes of meeting requirements under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the Antiquities Code of Texas (ACT), and other cultural resource legislation related to environmental clearance as applicable, including Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Act. Appended to this report are several appendices that provide maps, graphics, photographs, and other materials that supplement the text included in this report. • Appendix A includes project information and ROW information. • Appendix B includes an inventory table of all resources surveyed for the proposed project. • Appendix C includes survey forms (including photographs and applicable plan sheets) for each of the inventoried resources.
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istorical Studies Report, Texas Department of Transportation, Environmental Affairs Division
• Appendix D includes project location maps as Figures 1 and 2 and study area map showing 1,300 feet from the project APE as Figures 3.1 and 3.2. Figures 4.1 through 4.3 show all the inventoried resources, the proposed areas of work, and the parcel boundaries of the properties within the APE. Figure 5 shows the known underground extant of the Inner Space Caverns. • Appendix E includes the schematics for the proposed project. • Appendix F includes current photographs of the project area. • Appendix G includes correspondence with the Williamson County Historical Commission Chair Eloise Brackenridge, and City of Georgetown Historic Planner Britin Bostick, and the City of Round Rock Historic Preservation Officer Joelle Jordan.
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istorical Studies Report, Texas Department of Transportation, Environmental Affairs Division
Table of Contents
Abstract ...... 3 Project Identification ...... 6 Area of Potential Effects (APE) ...... 7 Section 106 Consulting Parties ...... 7 Stakeholders ...... 9 Project Setting/Study Area ...... 9 Survey Methods ...... 13 Survey Results ...... 13 Historical Context Statement ...... 15 National Register Eligibility Recommendations ...... 20 Determination of Section 106 Effects Recommendations ...... 28 U.S. DOT Section 4(f) Applicability Statement ...... 29 References Cited ...... 30 Appendix A: Project Information and ROW Information ...... 32 Appendix B: Tabular Inventory of Surveyed Properties ...... 34 Appendix C: Survey Forms for All Surveyed Properties ...... 39 Appendix D: Figures ...... 103 Appendix E: Schematics ...... 112 Appendix F: Historic Maps of Forest Hill and Project Area Photographs ...... 114 Appendix G: Consulting Party Comments ...... 110
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istorical Studies Report, Texas Department of Transportation, Environmental Affairs Division Project Identification
▪ Report Completion Date: 04/20/2020
▪ Date(s) of Fieldwork: 02/13/2020
▪ Survey Type: ☐ Windshield ☒ Reconnaissance ☐ Intensive
▪ Report Version: ☐ Draft ☒ Final
▪ Regulatory Jurisdiction: ☒ Federal ☐ State
▪ TxDOT Contract 36-6IDP5326 (5541) Number:
▪ District or Districts: Austin District
▪ County or Counties: Williamson County
▪ Highway or Facility: Interstate Highway (I)-35
▪ Project Limits:
▪ From: North of SE Inner Loop
▪ To: South of RM 1431
▪ Main CSJ Number 0015-09-187
▪ Report Author(s): Maryellen Russo, Heather Goodson, Rebecca Wallisch, and Mikayla Brown – Blanton & Associates
▪ Principal Investigator: Maryellen Russo, Blanton & Associates
▪ List of Preparers: Maryellen Russo, Heather Goodson, Rebecca Wallisch, and Mikayla Brown (Historians); Jeanette Garner (GIS); Anna Hughes (Technical Editor) – Blanton & Associates
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istorical Studies Report, Texas Department of Transportation, Environmental Affairs Division
Area of Potential Effects (APE)
☐ Existing ROW ☐ 150’ from Proposed ROW and Easements
☐ 300’ from Proposed ROW and Easements ☒ Custom: 150’ from Proposed ROW and Easements
The recommended APE for the proposed project is 150 feet from the proposed ROW, and the existing ROW when there is no new ROW.
▪ Historic-Age Survey Cut-Off Date: 1977
▪ Study Area 1,300 feet from edge of the Area of Potential Effects
Section 106 Consulting Parties